The Master of Science and Doctoral Program FEB UGM held a public lecture on “Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Banking-Free Finance and Investment Opportunities in the Digital Era” on Friday, February 28, 2025. The event featured Mr. Eddy Junarsin, Ph.D., CFP, as the keynote speaker and Mr. Usman Arief, S.E., M.S.M., as the moderator. This public lecture was conducted online via Zoom Meeting from 09:00 to 11:00 and was open to the public.

In his presentation, Eddy Junarsin discussed the concept of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), a blockchain-based financial system that enables transactions without the involvement of banks or traditional financial institutions. While DeFi offers new investment opportunities, it also faces challenges such as regulation and data security.

One of the key innovations in blockchain is smart contracts, which are self-executing digital agreements that automatically enforce terms when predefined conditions are met, similar to how a vending machine operates. Smart contracts are already being applied in various sectors, such as Ethereum-based agricultural insurance, where insurance claims are automatically processed based on verified weather data without manual intervention.

Furthermore, DeFi plays a significant role in digital investments through mechanisms such as staking—where assets are stored in a blockchain to earn returns of 1-5%—and liquidity protocols, which allow users to lend their assets at specified interest rates. Another emerging phenomenon within this ecosystem is memecoins, digital assets that often go viral but do not always hold strong fundamental value.

From a security perspective, blockchain offers transparency and data protection through decentralization, meaning no single entity has control over the system. Additionally, public transaction records, cryptographic hashing, and consensus mechanisms ensure data integrity and prevent manipulation.

Through this lecture, students were expected to gain a deeper understanding of blockchain technology developments and sharpen their critical thinking skills in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of digital financial innovation.

The Master of Science and Doctoral Program at FEB UGM is hosting a Sharing Session titled “Tips for Successfully Completing a Master’s + Doctorate in 4 Years” on Friday, February 21, 2025. This event features Dr. Puspita Ghaniy Anggraini, S.E., a lecturer at the Department of Accounting at FEB UGM and a recipient of the Master’s Education Scholarship Leading to Doctorate for Outstanding Undergraduates (PMDSU) Batch IV. The session aims to provide insights for prospective students interested in fast-tracking their doctoral journey through the PMDSU program. The event held online via Zoom from 9:00 to 10:30 AM (WIB).

This virtual event has attracted interest from students and alumni eager to pursue an accelerated academic path. During the discussion, Dr. Puspita shared her experiences and strategies for completing her master’s and doctoral studies in a short period. One of the key factors in her success was meticulous research planning from the outset and choosing the right advisor whose expertise aligns with the student’s research interests.

In her presentation, Dr. Puspita elaborated on the selection process for PMDSU scholarship candidates. The process begins with researching potential advisors and suitable study fields, applying to the graduate school, and submitting the required documents. Once the administrative requirements are met, universities nominate the best candidates for further selection.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Puspita also shared tips on selecting academic journals for publication. With an increasing number of Q1 (Quartile 1) journals, the opportunities for student publications have expanded significantly. She advised students to find journals that align with their research topics and utilize journal finder tools such as Elsevier, Wiley, and Springer.

The PMDSU program is a flagship initiative that enables undergraduate graduates to proceed directly to doctoral studies without having to complete a separate master’s degree. As one of Indonesia’s leading faculties, FEB UGM actively encourages talented students to seize this opportunity, fostering the next generation of outstanding academics and researchers in economics and business.

The Master of Science and Doctoral Program in Economics at FEB UGM, in collaboration with the Department of Economics, PPE RDSI, BersemIE, and Macroeconomics Dashboard, is organizing an event on February 13, 2025. T The event is themed “Evaluation of the 2024 Corruption Perception Index and Challenges in Combating Corruption in Indonesia,” featuring four speakers: Rimawan Pradiptyo, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Economics at FEB UGM as well as a researcher and corruption observer, along with three students from the Economics of Crime program at FEB UGM: Tri Juli Astuti, S.E., Wida Reza Hardiyanti, S.E., and Iqva Anggraini, S.E.

This event was held in person from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (Western Indonesia Time) at Djarum Hall, Pertamina Tower, 6th Floor, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM. The discussion covers factors influencing the decline or increase in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), including regulations, law enforcement, and political culture. The experts will highlight major challenges in combating corruption, such as limitations of anti-corruption agencies, political influence, and public perception of government transparency.

The event demonstrates the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the phenomenon of corruption, including the economic perspectives offered by the Economics of Crime program at FEB UGM. This program is unique as it integrates economic analysis into the study of crime, providing tools to understand the economic motives behind criminal and corrupt activities. Using both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, students are equipped with the ability to critically and effectively evaluate anti-corruption policies.

The Economics of Crime program at FEB UGM provides critical insights into how economic policies can influence criminal behavior and vice versa, enriching effective public policy analysis. For those interested in becoming policy analysts, researchers, or professionals in anti-corruption agencies, this program offers a strong foundation in the theory of criminal economics and practical skills in data analysis.

The discussions in this event indirectly highlight the need for experts who understand the economic complexity of corruption. Therefore, the Economics of Crime program at FEB UGM serves as an educational solution to produce a generation of professionals capable of analyzing and designing data-driven and effective anti-corruption policies.

The Master of Science and Doctoral Program (MD) of FEB UGM successfully held an event on February 11, 2025, themed “Research Positioning and Contribution in Social Sciences.” The event featured Prof. Hiram Ting, recognized as one of the top 2% of researchers globally by Stanford University. Prof. Ting is not only the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Young Consumers (Scopus Q1) but also serves as the Director of Responsible Borneo (REBORN). The event was moderated by Widya Paramita, Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business UGM.

The event was held offline from 09:00 to 11:30 WIB at the BRI Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Master of Science and Doctoral Building, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM.

The event was moderated by Widya Paramita, Ph.D., followed by a brief introduction by Prof. Hiram Ting. During the session, Prof. Ting discussed effective strategies for researchers to position their work within the broader academic landscape. He provided insights on preparing research for publication in leading journals, which is crucial for advancing academic careers and contributing to the development of global knowledge.

The event aimed to create a collaborative environment for researchers to share experiences and learn from each other. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emphasize global partnerships and the importance of decent work in academia.

Additionally, the event addressed the critical role of education in shaping future researchers. Prof. Ting explained how educational institutions can better prepare students to meet the demands of research and publication, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in academic careers.

This event not only provided valuable insights into the research process but also encouraged collaboration and partnerships among researchers. This is in line with the broader SDGs, emphasizing the importance of quality education, decent work, and global partnerships for sustainable development.

The Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) Program at FEB UGM successfully held its inaugural MD OPEN CAMPUS event with the theme “Preparation for Master’s and Doctoral Studies” on Friday, December 20, 2024. This event aimed to provide insights and motivation for prospective students to pursue further education, both at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Held in the BRI Auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM, the event took place from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM WIB and was attended by participants from diverse backgrounds, including final-year students, alumni, and professionals interested in further studies. The event began with a warm welcome from the Head of the Master of Science in Management Program, Mr. Sahid Susilo Nugroho, M.Sc., Ph.D., representing the MD FEB UGM program management. Also present were Mr. Mamduh M. Hanafi, Prof. Dr., M.B.A., as Head of the Doctoral Program in Management, and Mr. Fu’ad Rakhman, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., CA., as Head of the Master of Science in Accounting Program.

In his remarks, Mr. Sahid emphasized the importance of continuing education to address challenges in both academic and professional domains. He highlighted that the Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) Program at FEB UGM is committed to assisting participants in identifying the fields of study best suited to their interests and personalities. To support this objective, the event featured a specially designed interest and personality test session, offering personalized guidance to participants in determining their best future steps.

The next session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Endah Saptutyningsih, M.Si., who shared valuable insights from her academic journey during her doctoral studies at MD FEB UGM through her presentation titled “Building an Academic Career through Master’s and Doctoral Studies.” In her talk, she not only discussed the benefits and impacts of further studies but also the challenges and dynamics of doctoral education. Additionally, she provided practical tips on time management, building academic networks, and maintaining motivation throughout the study process. The participants were highly engaged, with many showing interest and asking further questions about studying at MD FEB UGM.

Before the event concluded, participants took part in the interest and personality test session facilitated by a professional team from Dynamic Psychology Bureau. This session was designed to provide deep insights into each participant’s potential, interests, and personality traits. With an interactive and structured approach, participants explored their inner selves, identified fields that best matched their interests and talents, and received initial guidance for designing strategic steps for career or further study development. This session not only served as a reflective experience but also inspired participants to feel more confident about their future plans. With the high enthusiasm of the participants, this MD Open Campus is expected to inspire more individuals to pursue further studies in the MD Program at FEB UGM.